Impressive oak building - (Orangery)
oak by design
oakbydesign
01423 593 794
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"Oak building with the WOW factor"
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Impressive oak building - (Orangery)
Call Us: 01423 593 794

Summary

Clients Name: Harriet McDonald
Location: North Yorkshire

Services

Design Service
Technical Advice
Working Drawings
Installation
Reference: 16034
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Oak building creates perfect forever home in North Yorkshire

Harriet McDonald bought her present home as a project. It was to be her and her husband’s final house, their main house that they could design and get ‘just right’.

When they met Jamie from Oak By Design at the Harrogate Home Building and Renovating Show they had a concept of how their new home would look; it would need to include an oak building; an orangery

Sited in a beautiful village on the outskirts of Harrogate with views over the Washburn Valley and period property, it needed renovating and extending sympathetically.

The secret is in the details (and the hidden storage)

With planning permission in place, the brief was to add an oak orangery, with a lantern roof, to the end of the property to realise the benefit of living in beautiful countryside. The oak building was to lead out onto a stone patio for summer days and evenings.

Bespoke oak doors and frames were made to suit the non-standard doorways in the property. Glazed doors and screens used to bring light into the oak building.

In the room next to the new sunroom, a pair of oak French Doors ensures more light stream through the house and these match the oak of the framework, creating a seamless look externally.

All the external oak work was finished with 2 coats of for above the staircase and in other areas, along with oak flooring.

The perfect setting all year round

The Oak By Design installation team worked alongside Harriet’s builders ensuring the build progressed as quickly and efficiently, and cleanly as possible.

Harriet found working with Jamie and the team very enjoyable due to their problem-solving attitudes together with a ‘can do’ approach to the whole scheme.

Harriet and her family now enjoy their beautiful new home, and it comes into its own during the summer months.

The patio, filled with family and friends enjoying the beautiful landscaped, country garden and the outstanding countryside beyond, provides the perfect setting in summer. In the colder months, the large glazed doors and windows ensure the countryside is still appreciated.

Harriet especially loves the hidden cupboard behind the staircase, one of the many designs working together with Jamie created. It is a firm favourite with everyone who sees it!

Read More

Advantages of Oak Conservatories: A Building Expert's Perspective

Oak conservatories have emerged as a quintessential architectural addition, elegance and sophistication. This timeless structure seamlessly blends with any landscape, augmenting the aesthetics of both traditional and contemporary settings. The unparalleled charm of oak conservatories lies in their ability to harmonise with nature, creating a sanctuary that encapsulates tranquility.

One notable advantage of oak conservatories is their exceptional durability. Crafted from robust oak timber, these structures exhibit remarkable strength, ensuring longevity that surpasses conventional building materials. The solid construction not only withstands the test of time but also serves as an enduring testament to masterful craftsmanship.

Moreover, oak conservatories offer an abundance of natural light through their expansive glazing panels. These ethereal spaces become sanctuaries bathed in a soft luminosity during daylight hours, fostering a connection with the outdoors while providing an immersive experience within the comfort of one's home.

Furthermore, oak conservatories seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor living spaces, offering a seamless transition between the two realms. This spatial integration fosters a sense of harmony and unity between architecture and nature—a symphony where boundaries dissolve into nothingness.

In conclusion, oak conservatories are more than mere architectural marvels; they embody an embodiment of grace and beauty that transcends time. Their durability, ability to invite abundant natural light, and seamless merging of indoor and outdoor spaces make them an exquisite choice for those seeking to create a haven within their homes—a sanctuary where one can escape the chaos of everyday life and immerse themselves in serenity offered by nature's embrace.

The Advantages of Air-Dried Oak in Construction Projects

Air-dried oak, a type of timber that undergoes a natural drying process, offers notable advantages in construction projects. This article aims to highlight the benefits of using air-dried oak and its superiority over green oak, particularly in terms of stability and reduced risk of movement and shrinkage.

One anecdote vividly illustrates the stability offered by air-dried oak. Imagine constructing two identical wooden benches, one made from green oak and the other from air-dried oak. As time passes, seasonal changes introduce fluctuations in humidity levels. The green oak bench absorbs moisture during humid periods, causing it to swell and potentially warp or crack. In contrast, the air-dried oak bench remains relatively unaffected due to its lower moisture content. This highlights how air-drying reduces the risk of movement and instability associated with green oak.

Research indicates that green oak typically has a moisture content ranging from 60% to 80%, while air-dried oak boasts significantly lower levels due to natural drying processes over several years. On average, air circulation aids in reducing the moisture content by approximately 25mm per year for exterior timbers.

In conclusion, when considering timber options for construction projects, it is crucial to recognize the superiority of air-dried oak over green oak regarding stability and reduced risk of movement or shrinkage. The anecdote presented above serves as a clear metaphor for understanding this distinction visually. Moreover, data points reinforce these observations by highlighting significant differences in moisture content between these two types of timber. By choosing air-dried oak, builders can ensure long-lasting structures that resist warping or cracking caused by environmental fluctuations and maintain their structural integrity for years to come.

The Advantages of Double Glazing in Buildings

Double glazing, also known as a double glazed sealed unit (DGU), is a window consisting of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar. The air gap between the glass panes is filled with an insulating gas, creating a thermal barrier that enhances energy efficiency within buildings. This article explores the primary benefit of double glazing - thermal insulation.

One notable advantage of double glazing is its ability to provide thermal insulation in buildings. By retaining heat within a room and preventing cold air from entering, double glazing contributes to enhanced energy efficiency and reduced heating costs.

The construction of a DGU involves sandwiching two sheets of glass with an insulating gas-filled gap. This configuration acts as a barrier against heat transfer, significantly reducing the amount of warmth lost from indoor spaces during colder months. Conversely, it prevents external cold air from infiltrating indoors and disturbing the desired temperature levels.

Furthermore, the presence of an insulating gas within the double glazed unit enhances its thermal performance. Commonly used gases include argon or krypton, which have low conductivity properties compared to regular air. As such, they minimize heat transfer through conduction across the insulated space between the glass panes.


In conclusion, double glazing offers significant advantages for buildings by providing effective thermal insulation through its unique design and composition. By retaining heat indoors and preventing cold air infiltration, it promotes energy efficiency while reducing heating costs. Incorporating double glazed units into windows can enhance comfort levels within rooms and contribute to sustainable building practices overall.

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Adam Thornton
Adam Thornton

Left us a 5 star review

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Four years ago we took the decision to completely gut an old farmhouse and start again with it, we started looking for a supplier of oak to refit all of the internal doors, door casings, skirting and flooring. Our carpenter recommended Oak By Design. He wasn't wrong! All of the oak has been completely top notch. As the old house has settled into it's new skin it has moved and cracked in various places, the only thing that has been stable and unwavering is the oak. The customer service has been superb, with them continuing to supply exactly the same items, with the same quality over the course of 4 years. They even indulged our designs for furniture for our "boot room", with Shoe pigeon holes and a bench which we could store wellies under (as pictured). The doors supplied by them are reassuringly heavy and sturdy, with a proper "thunk" as you close them, cutting off sound from the rest of the house. There may be other, cheaper suppliers of oak out there, but none with the same level of quality, longevity and customer service as Oak By Design. If you want to do it right (& once!) use these guys.

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On behalf of John Docherty: Oak By Design were a great company to deal with; helpful, knowledgeable, professional. The quality of the oak supplied to us for our bespoke porch was first class. Nothing was too much trouble for this company, and we will definitely be using this wonderful company again in 2022.

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I wish I could give more starts!! We looked at many companies before finally choosing Oak by Design. We are so glad we chose them. They were excellent from start to finish. They worked with us to find a workable design that was to our liking. Our door looks amazing (despite the building site that still surrounds it!). Their customer service is of the highest standard, Joanne could not do enough to help us. I would not hesitate to recommend them.

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We were delighted with our new porch. Right from our initial contact with Joanne at ObD, through the design and the installation by Jack and his team the service has been excellent. We would have no hesitation in recommending ObD and Jack to anyone thinking of a high quality oak porch. Thank you to all involved.

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We were looking to have a bespoke oak and glass atrium for the front of our new house renovation. We wanted to find a company we trusted, who clearly understood our brief and could manufacture and install a high quality product at a competitive price. A big ask, but OakByDesign ticked all our boxes. Jamie and the team from the initial discovery meeting to completion of the installation were fantastic. The design, material quality and installation were first class and I would highly recommend you to include them within your project plans. Thank you all. Ben and Lindsay.

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We purchased some engineered oak flooring and oak covers from Oak By Design and couldn't be happier with the finish and quality. They are spot on. Joanne was extremely helpful throughout the whole process and provided plenty of advice when necessary. Thank you

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This is the second time that we have used Oak By Design for oak products and once again we weren’t disappointed. We recently ordered some internal oak doors and from the very start they were a pleasure to deal with. Joanne especially was extremely helpful and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. We were kept updated about the progress of our order. Unfortunately we needed to delay acceptance of the doors for a few weeks and Oak By Design happily agreed to store them in their workshop until we were ready for them. The quality of the doors is very high, they are very well made and finished, far better than any oak doors that you will buy “ off the shelf. “ They are all installed now and look fantastic. I would highly recommend Oak By Design and we will certainly use them again in the future if we require any more oak products. A huge thank you to Joanne and the whole team for a great service and a great product.

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Found Oak by Design searching for a new front porch to replace a canopy and knew immediately that this was company for the job and I was not disappointed. I already knew what I wanted and Richard, very patiently, developed my basic requirements, with a number of iterations, into a full detailed design. As I live outside their site working area I decided go for supply only and to install the porch myself. It was delivered as promised and it looked great even on the pallet! It took me a while to fit but it was very satisfying and the result is fantastic. The quality of the aged oak and carpentry of the timbers is excellent. I’m delighted with the porch supplied by Oak by Design - it looks superb.

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Amazing customer service from beginning to end . My builder was in awe at the quality of the oak porch components. Call them and ask for Joanne - what she doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing! It’s not every day you invest in a “proper” porch so do it right. You’ll definitely be delighted!

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From the initial quotation right through to the delivery and after service Joanne has been brilliant and given me an excellent product. I have just ordered another porch for another project from them and I will continue to do so for future projects . Thomas and Bell Building Contractors Ltd

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A fabulous service and supportive through the design and delivery process. Highly recommended

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I was sourcing an oak RSJ cover (circa 5m length) for my extension and found Oak by Design on the internet. All of the reviews I could were glowing and so I contacted them......And I'm so glad that I did. Joanne Fisher answered my initial call and she looked after my order from beginning to end - in terms of ensuring that I got exactly what I wanted she/they provided a superb service - everything on time - delivery in to the Peak District to suit when I wanted. The quality of the the RSJ cover is fantastic thick solid oak that matches my oak floor - looks amazing. If you want anything oak I can thoroughly recommend Oak By Design.

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We worked with Jamie from Oak By Design on a super project near Wetherby. There was plenty of oak in this design for the team to really show their worth - and they did. The attention to detail was excellent. If anything was not quite how the client wanted it, they were straight back to attend to this. The customer care was superb. We look forward to working with Oak By Design on another project soon.

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Great service from start to finish, Joanne was great help. Designs were spot on and so happy with the porch. 10/10. Fully recommend.

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A first rate service from start to finish. We've used this company in the past for our floor - 40 foot of solid oak! 2 beams and 2 RSJ covers. This time a beam for our new kitchen inglenook and another RSJ cover. More than impressed with the products which more than met our spec. A very friendly and helpful team who I'd recommend to anyone.

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Great company, always on the end of the phone to talk through design, measurements, fitting. The Oak is very high standard, looks amazing.

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From the beginning the customer service has been superb, excellent help and advice when choosing the flooring, delivery arriving when promised and a product which is extremely high quality. We have replaced the majority of our flooring downstairs and we are so pleased with the result that we would have paid more. Fantastic.

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Great personal service to ensure we got what we needed specific to our personal requirements. Quality is outstanding and there was a helping hand there all the way. The porch we ended up with was not cheap but having looked at others the quality of the Oak by design product shines through. Very pleased with the result and the complements from both neighbours and our builders keep coming.

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Very professional. Excellent product and service. Highly recommended.

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I could not recommend Oak By Design more highly. Joanne and the team worked tirelessly to resolve an issue that was the result of my mistake when I ordered the porch. Great customer service.

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We decided to get an oak porch to make our home more attractive and we are so glad we did as it really is beautiful ! Joanne and the Team have been professional, friendly and just a pleasure to deal with ! Thank you so much !!

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We have been impressed from the first contact with Oak By Design, first class customer service and the product speaks for itself. We found it straight forward to install and the support was always there if we needed it. Brilliant, we could not recommend enough and will use them again.

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Exceptional service and beautiful flooring. Absolutely delighted with every aspect. Went above and beyond great customer service to meet our needs and timescales.

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Thank you Jo for your assistance and detailed guide every step of the way with my new porch. Very pleased with the finished product, I would highly recommend Jack and his team for installation

google

Firstly, the product quality was superb, a beautiful oak mantle piece for my fire place, gorgeous. The installation was quick, efficient and fitter very friendly. The price was very reasonable, actually very good value. But what makes it all SIX STAR, ( but we I can only give 5!), was the customer service. When walking in the shop I was perfectly attended to, I was given samples to take home and they remembered to call soma days later to see what I thought. Order to install time was very fast for such a bespoke service. My experience was world class, great to deal with a brilliant local/small business, I totally recommend.

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Super friendly people helping me with my self build porch!

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As the owner of a local joinery business, Robert Davis Joinery, I have had the pleasure of using Oak by Design on several occasions over the last 8 years. They have produced bespoke interior products for me including Oak doors and timber moldings. The staff in the office and the workshop are always very helpful and friendly and the standard of the workmanship and materials are always of a very high quality.

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My wife and I recently purchased an oak porch from Oak By Design. We are delighted with the porch and it has been much admired. We did get some help assembling it but everything fitted together perfectly.

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Spectacular service from start to finish! great design work and support from concept to installation. The builders were amazing! So pleased with the outcome! Thankyou so so much !

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We are ‘over the moon’ with our beautiful oak porch made by Oakbydesign .From our initial enquiry to delivery and installation the service and attention to detail has been outstanding! A very big thank you to Joanne who was so helpful and friendly from start to finish which made the whole process such a pleasure. Highly recommend anyone looking for an oak porch to choose Oakbydesign . Yvonne Grant.

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I first used Oak by Design in 2021 for a oak porch, I used them again 2023 for an oak pergola. Both times my clients have been Delighted with the finished product. Both times the product was delivered when stated, everything i needed was on the delivery. Oak by design listened to what I required for both jobs. The quality of the oak is excellent, all joints fit correctly & if I had a problem I only had to ring and speak to them. R Brown Carpentry always recommends Oak by Design when asked about oak structures.

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Working with Oak By Design on our project was a pleasure and we were delighted with the results. Joanne was extremely helpful, quick to answer any questions and generally a great person to deal with! The quality and finish of the products - RSJ covers and Oak Windows & Doors were superb and look great. Would highly recommend working with Oak By Design and would not hesitate to use their services again for future projects!

google

Oak by design were a fantastic company to deal with. They made us some treads for a bespoke stair case from large pieces of air dried oak. They were very thorough in making sure that they understood exactly what we wanted. They made excellent suggestions for small changes to our own design in order to produce a better finished product and to manage the cost. We were very happy with the treads when they were delivered. They look fantastic and fitted perfectly to the steel frame which was made by a third party. I could not recommend them more highly.

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Oak by Design were extremely helpful at all stages of my project from helping and advising me to choose the most appropriate beam through to advice on fixing the beam. They were extremely patient with changes to my beam dimension requirements finally providing a solution to suit my project. They provided photographs on completion of the beam prior to dispatch to ensure that my requirements had been met. I was extremely impressed by the quality and finish of the beam which has become the focal point for my fireplace project. Oak by Design provided customer care of the highest quality and I would highly recommend their services.

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Excellent customer service. Very friendly. Explained in detail. Product is beautiful. Would recommend. Company sent photos of finished product prior to dispatch to confirm our happiness with their work.

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Ordered an oak mantle beam from Oak by Design and they quickly called to check the finer details. Unfortunatly, the beam was slightly damaged on arrival by the courier company. Oak by Design immediately arranged to have it picked by DHL, transferred back to Yorkshire from Kent, repaired and sent back within 2 days, with no quibbles. The beam is beautiful, as is the high quality customer service by these people. Fully recommend using this company. Anthony Slater, Tonbridge. Tonbridge.

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We worked with the team who designed a wonderful porch for our house near Harrogate. It has been an amazing addition. Simple but effective - excellent craftsmanship using authentic materials. We are absolutely delighted with the transformation and everyone who sees the porch says how great it looks. Thanks to all the team at Oak By Design.

google

A great company to deal with. Professional from start to finish and always there to assist with any queries. Highly recommended.

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What can I say, Oak By Design have been the most fantastic company to deal with. Joanne was so helpful, friendly and professional. She really seemed to care about our project, which made such a difference. We had 4 oak RSJ covers made and 2 fireplace mantles. The finish is outstanding. Everyone believes they are solid beams, which was just what we wanted. The care and attention this company will give you is 2nd to none and I would highly recommend them. Pictures will follow when we complete our project, thanks again Oak By Design. x

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Fantastic service from start to finish, I would have no hesitation in recommending this company or using them again. Very professional and helpful. Joanne was great in assisting us with choosing both styles and colours of the beams and cladding.

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We ordered two bespoke doors and two bespoke porches for our house build from Joanne at OByD. We were specifically delighted with Joanne's attention to detail (and patience! lol) making the overall customer experience excellent. The product was equally fantastic, the product quality was truly beyond our expectations. Joanne is super helpful and knowledgeable, and kept my spirits up throughout our project. We would 100% recommend OByD, and specifically Joanne, for all your standard and bespoke oak requirements. H&D

google

First class service and product . Our car port and steps look fantastic and blends in with the existing buildings beautifully. Would definitely recommend them.

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Having lived with our porch for over 2 years I can honestly say it’s the best addition to our house we ever made. Not only does it look fantastic the quality is outstanding. I love that it keeps the mud out of the hall and provides a seating area to remove muddy boots.

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I firstly used oak by design a couple of years ago for an open oak porch. They were extremely helpful and everything was delivered on time to the highest quality. The porch went together with the oak dowels provided and looked great when it was all slated in. They have also supplied me with a oak beam for a fireplace natural random finish and it looks good.

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Oak by design provided our engineered oak flooring. From our initial meeting and supply of samples to the final delivery we have been provided with excellent service. Carl has been in touch throughout the process and provided updates about the lead time and expected delivery dates. We are delighted with the flooring. Very happy to recommend Oak by design.

google

Amazing craftsmanship from this company. The customer service from Joanne was superb. My questions and indecisiveness were never an issue and she was always on hand to offer advice and find the answers to my questions. Our oak porch has transformed the house and we are over thd moon with it. Would highly recommend Oak By Design. Joanne is an asset to the sales and promotion of this company and is very knowledgeable. Would give 10 stars if I could!

google

From start to finish Oak By Design have been incredible, nothing was too much trouble. Our new Oak doors are beautifully made and have really been the icing on the cake to finish our house renovations off. We have also had a fabulous outdoor oak structure with heating and we are very much looking forward to making the most of it in the months ahead. Thank you to the whole team I would throughly recommend.

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Pleasure to do Buisness with

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Marvellous place, so many wonderful things made from wood.